Jim Lawhon, left, and Alexander Hollins compete during a chess tournament at the North Georgia Chess Center.

The mood at the North Georgia Chess Center on a recent Saturday was friendly and relaxed as the players took a break from the tournament games.

But as play picks back up, the chess personas emerge, John Austin said.

“We all develop a different style of play that reflects our personalities — or our desired personalities,” Austin said. “We might be a tiger over the board and a lamb at home.”

The 34 players from across the state enjoyed the atmosphere of gathering for the two-day weekend tournament the weekend of Aug. 4 with others in the chess community.

Joe Couvillion, owner of the Forsyth County center, said the North Georgia Chess Center Championship brought in some “strong players” to compete for a share of the $1,020 pot and their pride.

The annual event, one of several tournaments at the center, drew more players than last year for the 90-minute per side games, Couvillion said.

He started the local club in 2008 and opened the center in the Pine Creek Commons business complex a few years later.

“It’s a great addition to the community. It’s going to draw a lot of people to this area,” Austin said. “This is [becoming] the center of chess activity in the Atlanta area or north Georgia.”

Many players also compete on the Internet. But Austin, 77, said the weekend tournament allows the face-to-face interaction that adds to the appeal.

“It’s a game of great beauty and depth, and that’s why we’re all attracted to it,” Austin said. “We all long to create a masterpiece.

“You hope for [your opponent] that he won’t make a big mistake because that detracts from the beauty if you should win.”

Alexander Hollins, 12, chimed in: “You may say that, but if he makes a big mistake, I like that because I win.”

Despite the age difference in players, the two could meet all the same in a chess tournament.

“You get respect by winning games and playing tournaments,” Hollins said. “There’s no bias against or for children. If you are a good player, we will respect you, no matter your age, gender or anything.”

Players each have a rating that goes up and down by a formula based on winning or losing.